How To Zoom In On Instagram Photos So You Can Get Up Close & Personal With Everything In Your Feed

It might seem like a small thing, but the fact we no longer have to wonder about how to zoom in on Instagram photos — or about whether we can even zoom in on Instagram photos at all — is big news in the world of social media: Starting today, Instagram Zoom is a thing. Finally! We can indulge our impulse to examine every last detail of that photo your ex posted last night! And what’s even better, it’s actually super easy to do!

Instagram announced the new feature in a post on their own Instagram page on Wednesday. “Starting today, you can pinch to zoom on photos and videos in feed, on profiles, and on Explore. Dive into an adorable puppy’s smile or into every detail of your friend’s new shirt,” the post reads. (Clearly Instagram understands my priorities.) As of Aug. 31, Zoom is only available for iOS devices; however, the Insta post announcing the feature did note that it will be “available for Android in the coming weeks,” so fans of devices represented by that ubiquitous little green alien probably won’t have to wait long.

But back to our main point: How the heck do you use Instagram Zoom? Let’s explore.

Typically, I would take screenshots of the new feature in action in order to demonstrate how to use it. However, in this case, screenshots won’t actually show you what’s going on; what you really need to see is how I’m manipulating the screen with my hand, not just the screen itself. Unfortunately, I have neither a second camera available, nor the motor skills necessary to take a picture of myself with one hand while using my phone with the other. (Such is life for the uncoordinated.) Luckily, though, the good folks at PetaPixel have created a short video demonstrating the zoom feature on Instagram. Here, take a gander:

PetaPixel on YouTube

If you already know how to zoom in on something on an iPhone or iPad, then you’re probably already zooming on Insta photos like a pro. If you need a little more help, though (no shame), here’s the step-by-step:

1. Open Up The Image Or Video You Want To Zoom In On

If you want to zoom in on a piece of media, obviously you’re going to have to bring that piece of media up on your screen in the Instagram app first. Choose wisely. I suggest kittens.